Mayor Kraham: Support for Affordable Housing

Mayor Kraham, Local Leaders Join YWCA to Urge Support for Affordable Housing, Childcare Project

$35 Million Development in Downtown Binghamton Applying for Tax Credits Through New York State

(BINGHAMTON, N.Y.)-A bipartisan coalition of local elected leaders joined representatives of the YWCA of Binghamton and Broome County on Carroll Street on Tuesday to urge New York State to support the YWCA's $35 million Intergenerational Campus Project in downtown Binghamton.

Binghamton Mayor Jared M. Kraham, Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo, Senator Lea Webb, County Executive Jason Garnar and YWCA Executive Director Carole Coppens called on the State to allocate Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and other subsidies to support the project.

The YWCA plans to build 68 units of affordable housing on vacant lots near the corner of Carroll Street and Lisle Avenue, and rehabilitate the former Urban League building at 45 Carroll Street into a state-of-the-art childcare center.

This is the third year the YWCA is applying for support for the project through the LIHTC program, which allows the State to issue tax credits to developers to support the acquisition, rehabilitation or new construction of rental housing targeted to lower-income households.

The housing will be dedicated for low-income households, including families and individuals, with half the units reserved for survivors of domestic violence.

The childcare center will include 93 slots for infants, toddlers and preschoolers, and will also provide after-school and summer programming.

The City of Binghamton has allocated $500,000 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support the project. The City also transferred two vacant lots on Lisle Avenue to the YWCA for $1.

Assemblywoman Lupardo secured a $250,000 grant from the State Assembly for the project.

Mayor Jared M. Kraham said: "From the earliest stages of this project, the City of Binghamton has been proud to partner with the YWCA on plans to build much-needed quality affordable housing, expand access to childcare, and further revitalize Binghamton's Center City neighborhood. This project has bipartisan support from our local leaders, who understand the progress this development promises. New York State's support has been critical in helping us drive real change on housing in Binghamton, and we're looking to the State to partner with us again and help make this project a reality for residents."

YWCA Executive Director Carole Coppens said: "This partnership with the City reflects our shared commitment to expand affordable housing and make sure every Binghamton resident-no matter their income-has a place to call home. Housing is the foundation for health, safety, and opportunity; with Mayor Kraham championing this effort, we can create quality homes that keep Binghamton families rooted in our community and open doors for those most in need. Every day we see seniors, working parents, and survivors of violence struggling to find a safe, affordable place to live-Mayor Kraham's support sends a powerful message that Binghamton is tackling this challenge head-on, and the YWCA is proud to stand with the City to deliver real, lasting housing solutions."

Assemblywoman Donna Lupardo said: "We have been excited about the YWCA's plan for an Intergenerational Campus since it was first announced. It checks off so many important boxes in terms of affordable housing, child care, neighborhood revitalization, and more. The $250,000 Assembly grant that I secured is one small part of what is needed to complete this important project. That's why we are calling upon the state to allocate Low-Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and other subsidies in order to help move this over the finish line."

Senator Lea Webb said: "The YWCA's Intergenerational Campus Project represents exactly the kind of bold, compassionate investment we need in downtown Binghamton. As the chair of our Senate Women's Issues committee, I understand how critical safe, affordable housing and accessible childcare are for working families. This community development project uplifts women, supports survivors of domestic violence, and helps families thrive. I am proud to stand with our local leaders in urging New York State to prioritize this transformative initiative."

Broome County Executive Jason Garnar said: "This is a great project that includes things that are extremely important for our community, including affordable housing and childcare. We are proud to stand in support of the YWCA, which has been such a great partner in Broome County. Their work continues to make a real difference in the lives of local families, and this project will build on that impact."